The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed changes to its Part 190 procedural rules to broaden enforcement powers as called for in a bill that President Obama signed into law earlier this year (see NGI, Jan. 9). Congress passed the legislation following fatal pipeline explosions in San Bruno, CA, and Allentown, PA (see NGI, Feb. 14, 2011; Oct. 18, 2010). Key proposed changes include: increase in the administrative civil penalty caps to $200,000/violation/day and up to $2 million for related violations; authority to seek civil penalties for obstructions of inspections or investigations; more power to issue subpoenas; prohibits ex parte communications; and adds references to PHMSA’s new authority under the Clean Water Act to enforce its oil spill plan regulations. Comments on PHMSA’s notice of proposed changes are due on Sept. 12.
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PHMSA Proposal Would Broaden Enforcement of Pipe Safety
The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed several changes to its Part 190 procedural rules that would broaden its enforcement powers as called for in a pipeline safety bill that President Obama signed into law earlier this year (see Daily GPI, Jan. 4).
Municipals: Keep Homegrown Gas at Home
A group of municipal natural gas utilities has protested Lake Charles Exports LLC’s (LCE) request to broaden the scope of ts recently granted authority to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to include countries with which the United States does not have a free trade agreement (FTA). The municipals argue that it would be wrong-headed to approve the proposal and others like it based on the discoveries of domestic shale gas deposits.
Municipals: Keep Homegrown Gas at Home
A group of municipal natural gas utilities has protested Lake Charles Exports LLC’s (LCE) request to broaden its authority to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries with which the United States does not have a free trade agreement (FTA). The municipals argue that it would be wrong-headed to approve the proposal and others like it based on the discoveries of domestic shale gas deposits.
Lawmakers, Industry Call for Broader Panel to Review Fracking
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Friday called on Energy Secretary Steven Chu to broaden the membership of the panel charged with reviewing the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) practice used to develop shale natural gas.
Colorado Governor Adds Environmentalists, Landowners to O&G Commission
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has picked five new members for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), fulfilling a campaign promise to increase and broaden the representation and pool of experience of the panel that oversees the state’s energy development.
Colorado Governor Adds Environmentalists, Landowners to O&G Commission
Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has picked five new members for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), fulfilling a campaign promise to increase and broaden the representation and pool of experience of the panel that oversees the state’s energy development.
ICE Continues to Grow; Posts Record Volumes, Commissions in August
During a month that saw high volatility, Atlanta-based IntercontinentalExchange (ICE) reported record activity on its online marketplace during the month of August. Average daily volume (ADV) for ICE futures, its London-based regulated futures subsidiary, totaled 406,037 contracts for an eighth consecutive monthly record, an increase of 115.1% over August 2005’s 188,757 contracts.
Dynegy Elects Williamson as Chairman, Names Lead Director
Dynegy Inc. CEO Bruce A. Williamson will broaden his responsibilities as the company’s chairman of the board, the company said last week. The new role will take effect following the annual meeting in May, and Williamson replaces Daniel L. Dienstbier, non-executive chairman, who announced his retirement.
Dynegy Elects Williamson as Chairman, Names Lead Director
Dynegy Inc. CEO Bruce A. Williamson will broaden his responsibilities as the company’s chairman of the board following the annual meeting in May. He will replace Daniel L. Dienstbier, non-executive chairman, who announced his retirement.
